Family-Friendly Day Trips For Accessible Summer Outings

Somehow we are already halfway through the year, and schools will breaking up for the long summer holidays in another month or so. Those long weeks can be difficult to fill, so it’s best to start planning early! It’s an ideal time to plan group trips out so kids can meet up with their friends or see extended family members.

Here are some classic family-friendly day trips that are accessible from major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and London. Coach hire is an ideal way to travel if you want to avoid the stress and uncertainty of relying on public transport, or the hassle of organising multiple car shares and finding suitable parking spaces.

Wildlife parks and zoos

The experience of seeing exotics animals, reptiles and birds close up can stay with children for a lifetime, and help to deepen their understanding of academic subjects such as biology and geography. A day out at a zoo or wildlife park is also a great way to get some gentle exercise in the fresh air and provides family and friendship bonding time. 

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is one of the UK’s largest and most popular zoos, and easily accessible from destinations in the north and the Midlands. There are over 37,000 animals to discover, as well as learning zones, play areas, award-winning gardens, and a good range of food and drink venues. 

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Situated in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, Cotswold Wildlife Park is well suited to day trips from Birmingham or London. It’s set over 160 acres of beautiful parklands and has a diverse collection of species, many of which are endangered in the wild. As well as all manner of wildlife, there are beautiful landscaped gardens; ideal for a family picnic. 

For the kids, there’s a brilliant adventure playground featuring Skymaze, a series of interconnected treehouses with jungle bridges and 20ft high slides. There’s also a narrow-gauge railway, a children’s farmyard, penguin feeding sessions, and much more. 

Theme Parks

Theme parks are a classic summer day out, providing spills and thrills for all ages! The UK has plenty of family-friendly favourites.

Alton Towers, Staffordshire

Alton Towers is one of the UK’s biggest and most popular theme parks, and a perfect day trip from places such as Birmingham and Manchester. There’s over 40 rides and attractions, a waterpark, crazy golf, and even a roller coaster restaurant where your orders are delivered via some spectacular loop the loops. 

For little ones, there are CBeebies Land shows throughout the summer such as Teletubbies, Bluey and the Furchester Hotel. There’s special discounts for coach groups, plus various one-off events and deals for families and large groups throughout the summer, so keep an eye on the website for details. 

Thorpe Park, Surrey

Thorpe Park in Surrey is a short coach trip from London and the surrounding areas, and is home to some of the biggest and most exciting rides in the UK. It’s ideal for older children and adrenaline junkies looking for the ultimate high! Test out Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, and hold your nerve for the horror-themed jaw dropper SAW-The Ride.

It’s essential to book online, and if you want to experience as many rides as possible, check out the Fasttrack entry system that allows you to skip the queues on some of the most popular rides.  

Castles and historic sites

Summer is the ideal time to explore the UK’s many historical sites, which are often set in beautiful landscaped gardens or parklands. Many venues also offer children’s activities throughout the summer, such as adventure trails, live shows and re-enactments of historic events, and interactive exhibits.

Warwick Castle

Centrally located Warwick Castle is perfect for a day trip from the south or Midlands. The impressively well-preserved Medieval castle is brimming with tales of history, with stunning interiors and guided tours. In the 64 acre grounds, there’s a maze, falconry centre, live shows, jousting, and more.

Alnwick Castle

Equally impressive is Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, which is famously known for featuring as the setting for Hogworts in the Harry Potter movie franchise. There are guided tours, extensive gardens, and all manner of family-orientated fun events on offer throughout the summer.